random memes }

The Involved Father

Read this as a start: “The way fathers play with their children also has an important impact on a child's emotional and social development.” and the follow on.

Earlier, I was mystified how as a shy socially unadept kid, I ended up raising three uber-confident socially adept kids. Made no sense. This single observation fits perfectly. I know my father meant well, did the best he knew how, but was distant and uninvolved. To my kids, I was a strong, playful, very much involved presence. The mapping is exact.

Now I have a grandson. To him I am an affectionate, strong, playful force. His father, uncle, and aunt (my kids) are the same. He is a confident, joyful kid.

Wish I could do this right.